Denzel Devall visits the White House

Denzel Devall of Bastrop visited the White House earlier this month as President Barack Obama recognized Alabama's national championship football team.

Devall, a Jack linebacker, played in all 14 of the Crimson Tide's games as a true freshman. Alabama drubbed Notre Dame 42-14 in the BCS National Championship Game in January to clinch its third national title under the Obama administration.

Upon presenting the President with a white No. 15 jersey, coach Nick Saban joked that Obama now had a full Alabama uniform.

Devall was one of six recipients of the Bart Starr Most Improved Player award following Alabama's Golden Flake A-Day spring game on April 20.

Devall made three tackles in a losing cause as the Crimson fell to the White 17-14 in front of 78,315 fans at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

LOUISIANA DRAFTEES: Two players who played their high school ball in Louisiana prior to signing with LSU were among the first 18 picks of the NFL Draft on Thursday. Defensive end Barkevious Mingo (West Monroe) was taken by the Cleveland Browns as the No. 6 overall pick, while former Dutchtown standout Eric Reid was the No. 18 selection by the San Francisco 49ers.

Cornerback Robert Alford was chosen in the second round by the Atlanta Falcons, becoming the first Southeastern Louisiana University's first draftee since 1984 (the school dropped football from 1986-2002). Alford prepped at Hammond High and remained in his hometown to play for the Lions.

Alabama running back Eddie Lacy (Dutchown) and LSU defensive tackle Benie Logan (Red River) and LSU cornerback (Tyrann Mathieu (St. Augustine) were all selected in the third round. Lacy went to the Green Bay Packers, Logan joined the Philadelphia Eagles and Mathieu was picked by the Arizona Cardinals.

STATE CHAMPS: State softball champions were crowned in all seven LHSAA classifications Saturday at Frasch Park in Sulphur.